Monday, September 17, 2007

Jake's Bike Commuter Tips

Get yourself a bike that's not so cheap that you have to keep fixing it all the time.

Get yourself a bike that's not so expensive that you can't leave it chained up outside the pub.

Where ever possible take your bike inside with you.

Add racks, panniers or a milk crate to your bike so that you can easily transport stuff. Milk crates are great because you can just throw your bag in and take off without strapping it down. Panniers are good too but they cost money.

Keep your bike inside at home so it doesn't get all rusty.

Invest in some steel pedals, they have less give in them than the usual plastic ones so every ounce of pushing power goes onto your chain.

Lube your chain every now and then.

If a motorist behind honks at you just smile and go a bit slower.

Buy some slick tires, they have better grip than the knobbly ones when you are riding on paved surfaces and you go faster!

Keep your tires pumped up nice and hard. If your bike feels a bit sluggish or harder to pedal you probably need to pump your tires.

Carry a plastic bag to put things in in case of rain.

Get yourself some flashing lights. Don't be stingy with the batteries.

Even if you have lights and a reflective vest, ride like you're invisible to motorists, they often don't look where they are going.

Ride free and assert yourself on the road but don't be reckless. If you do crash it will probably be your fault so choose not to.

If you meet a policeman while riding on the footpath, slow right down, smile and nod.

Don't ride fast on footpaths.

Don't wear headphones.

Try and pick a route that runs along a train line. Not only will it be flatter but if something goes wrong with your bike you can just jump on a train.

When you see another cyclist ring your bell or give them a wave.

Try to stay out of the door zone, ride about half a meter out from parked cars.

If the road is narrow, take the lane. It's much safer than letting cars try to squeeze past you.

Get yourself some bicycle gloves.

Mud guards are great when it rains, the full length metal ones are the best.

Don't get angry at motorists. They're not worth it. A tap on the window and a polite request for a little consideration is more than enough. That alone scares the pants off them when they are sitting there cocooned in their little cage.

Acknowledge the nice motorists, give them a wave and a smile.

When you see a cyclist in trouble stop and offer assistance.

Make sure your seat is properly positioned, you should be standing on your toes when you are sitting on the seat.

Keep some spare socks and undies at work in case you get really soaked.

Carry a water bottle and keep yourself hydrated.

Don't ride the same route every day.

Don't be scared of riding in the rain.

Don't be scared of riding in the dark.

Don't feel that you have to dress up in spandex tights to ride your bike, just wear your normal clothes.

In summer carry your work clothes on your bike and wear shorts and a T-shirt while you're riding. Have a quick splash in the sink on arrival and then change into your work gear.

Recruit more cyclists, every person not driving a car makes the road less dangerous. Every person cycling makes the road safer.

4 comments:

Thanks for the tips! I was thinking about riding my bike to the gym and to work to conserve on gas. That way I can save money for the trips that I REALLY want to take! I love your tips and your page made me smile. Thank you for sharing!